FOREST PROTECTION 



In a matter of hours, wildfire can wipe out extensive 

 timber stands. Forest insects and disease work more 

 slowly, but over a long period of time they are given 

 credit for destroying more trees than fire. For the 

 State to maintain its timbered areas in a productive 

 condition or as cover for valuable watershed areas, 

 it is necessary that adequate protection from fire, 

 disease, and insects, be provided. 



The protection provided a specific area should be 

 commensurate with the value of the resource protected. 

 The general public receives many benefits from Montana's 

 forests, and therefore, some think it should share with 

 the private forest landowners for the cost of adequate 

 protection. 



Damage other than from fire, insect and disease, can 

 occur to forests and forest lands from rodent activity, 

 overgrazing by wild game and by livestock, and man's 

 recreational use. For example, porcupines cause extensive 

 damage in ponderosa pine stands. Overgrazing can prevent 

 reforestation and cause soil erosion. Poorly located, 

 constructed and maintained roads can cause extensive 

 soil and stream damage, which sometimes is irreparable. 



-69- 



